Podcast Summary: Red Rocks Church Weekend Messages

Series: TikTok Theology – Week 2
Date: February 21, 2026
Speaker: Ethan (Guest Pastor)
Theme: The Church is the Plan

Episode Overview

In this second week of the "TikTok Theology" series, the speaker (Ethan) addresses common criticisms and cultural skepticism about the Church, particularly in the context of social media "soundbite" culture. The central message: While the Church is often maligned as "the problem" in society, biblically, the Church is actually God's plan for truth, community, and global transformation. The episode explores misconceptions, the historic and ongoing impact of the Church, biblical teachings, common objections, and a call to commitment and healing for those hurt by the Church.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening: Community, Gratitude, and Commitment

• Ethan opens with gratitude for all locations, including correctional facilities, and emphasizes the joy of being part of a global church family united in the purpose "to make heaven more crowded."

• He shares personal anecdotes about group ministry, encouraging listeners to join and commit to small groups, relating personal transformation through persistent, sometimes reluctant, attendance.

  "We mined for that gold because we committed to each other. Get in a group this weekend and commit to it, and it will change your life." (04:00)

2. Honoring Leadership & The Power of Perseverance

• Ethan gives a birthday shout-out to his wife and to senior pastor Shawn Johnson, emphasizing Shawn’s unwavering commitment to building the Church.

• He praises Pastor Shawn’s resilience despite life challenges, modeling leadership and faithfulness.

  "Of all the things I love about Sean and admire about him, maybe at the top of the list is that he just never quits on building the church." (07:25)

3. TikTok Theology: The Influence of Digital Culture

• The message pivots to the impact of social media on how people perceive and "review" churches, often reducing deep matters of faith to superficial critiques and fueling skepticism.

• Ethan expresses concern that algorithms and opinions from "Silicon Valley" drive much of our spiritual formation rather than the teachings of Jesus.

  "We are being discipled more by algorithms than we are by Jesus, that we are listening more to Silicon Valley than we are to the word of God." (14:10)

4. Challenging the Narrative: The Church is Not the Problem

• Addressing a prevailing "TikTok theology" soundbite: "The church is a problem/The church is the problem."

• Describes how many treat the church like a dating app or sports team — switching frequently, never fully committing, and only claiming association during good times.

  "Too many Christians spend their lives swiping to the next and next and next church, never planting in one and building the kingdom of God." (17:47)

• Core assertion: The Church is not the problem; it is God’s plan.

  "The church is the plan. That's the title of this message — the church is the plan, with 'problem' crossed out." (21:05)

5. Biblical Foundation: What is the Church?

• The church is not a building; it’s a gathering — the "ekklesia" (Greek: assembly or body).

• Paul refers to the church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).

  "In a world that says the church is the problem, the Word of God is telling us actually it's the pillar and foundation of truth." (22:30)

• Jesus launches the Church as his chosen method for advancing the kingdom (Acts 1).

  "Maybe Jesus wasn't irresponsible. Maybe he was so confident in his Holy Spirit working through willing people that he knew his church would be built and it wouldn't be stopped." (27:59)

• The survival and spread of the Church (from 120 disciples to billions worldwide) is a testimony to its supernatural origin and mission.

6. The Historic Impact of the Church

• Ethan highlights ways Christians have historically revolutionized society — caring for outcasts, inventing hospitals and education systems, pioneering scientific study as worship, and leading humanitarian reform.

  "For 2,000 years, the church has been changing the world... This has happened through faithful Christian people who have taken up the teachings of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and gone to the ends of the earth." (32:20)

• Acknowledges the dark chapters: abuse, manipulation, and grave failures.

• Emphasizes that imperfection within the church points to humanity’s need for Christ, not the invalidity of the Gospel.

7. Addressing Common Criticisms

a) "The Church is Full of Hypocrites"

• All humans are hypocritical to some extent.

• Jesus called out fakers, not strugglers; the church is "imperfect people pursuing a perfect God" (39:30).

• Our flaws confirm, not contradict, our need for Christ.

  "Our imperfections don't contradict the power of Jesus. They confirm our need for him." – Brian Zabel (41:10)

b) "The Church Needs My Criticism More Than My Commitment"

• Social media and modern culture amplify critique over contribution.

• Ethan challenges listeners to "fulfill your ministry" instead of focusing on tearing others down.

  "If we put as much energy into fulfilling our ministries as we do criticizing other people trying to fulfill theirs, we probably would have already completed the Great Commission by now." (54:43)

  "The church needs your commitment so much more than it needs your criticism." (53:58)

• Warns against contributing to division; urges listeners to "build up" the Church (Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Romans 16:17).

8. Faithful Builders: What Should Be Viral

• Instead of letting criticism go viral, Ethan spotlights unsung heroes at Red Rocks Church — long-serving volunteers, people caring for kids, those working behind the scenes.

  "That should be viral. Faithfully building the church week in and week out." (01:01:00)

9. Money Myths and Generosity

• Responds to the accusation that "the church just wants my money."

• Explains historic and theological roots of generosity, stewardship, and the impact of collective giving on global missions.

• Casts a vision of the Church as a solution to major global problems (hunger, slavery, clean water).

  "Let me tell you the truth. The church wants to change the world. And let me gently remind you, that's not your money. Just like that's not your breath in your lungs right now." (01:07:10)

10. Don’t Give Up — Don’t Miss Out

• Urges listeners to get "on the field," not just spectate or criticize.

• Draws a parallel between sports commentary and "armchair Christianity".

  "Maybe it's time to get off the sidelines and get on the field and start building the church." (01:12:10)

11. “I Don’t Need the Church” — A Fallacy

• Ethan refutes the idea that solo spirituality is biblical or healthy.

• The body requires all its parts; isolation leads to spiritual stagnation.

• Encourages those wounded by the church to pursue healing through relationship and community.

  "Relational wounds only heal through relationship. And God wants to meet you in that healing." (01:15:15)

12. Testimony & Closing Challenge: Heal, Recommit, and Build

• Shares Pastor Torren Wells’ story — hurt by racism in the church but chose to keep showing up, not define the whole church by a minority’s failures.

  "You cannot judge the majority who are trying to do it right by the minority who are getting it wrong." – Torren Wells (01:17:45)

• Encourages those harboring church hurt to seek healing, forgiveness, and restoration so as not to miss their calling and purpose.

• Reiterates the promise of Jesus that the Church will prevail: "I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not stop it." (01:20:40)

• Closes with an altar call to unity, action, and worship.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the plan of God:
  “The church is the plan. And it’s always been the plan. And it’s kind of a crazy plan if you ask me.” (21:45)

• On imperfection and authenticity:
  “This is not a courtroom. This is not a country club. This is a hospital. Jesus came for the sick.” (44:00)

• On division and criticism:
  “Social media has made us all kind of feel like we're elders of every church in the world.” (58:00)

• On stewardship:
  “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. So where do you think Jesus wants your heart to be planted? Right in the middle of his plan, which is the church.” (01:08:10)

• On healing from church hurt:
  “Relational wounds only heal through relationship. And God wants to meet you in that healing. Nobody was hurt worse by religious people than Jesus.” (01:15:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00-06:30] – Welcome, group encouragement, honoring international campuses and correctional facilities
• [06:31-10:00] – Birthday shout-outs, honoring Pastor Shawn Johnson, his leadership, and perseverance
• [13:25-18:00] – TikTok theology explained; superficial digital critiques of church
• [18:01-21:10] – “The church is the problem” narrative and its cultural roots
• [21:11-25:50] – The Church is the plan: theologically, historically, and practically
• [30:00-38:00] – The unstoppable growth and positive legacy of the Church; engagement in social issues
• [38:01-50:00] – Addressing hypocrisy; authenticity versus perfection; Brian Zabel’s wisdom
• [50:01-01:02:00] – Commitment over criticism; fulfilling your ministry; unity and building up
• [01:02:01-01:10:00] – Faithful stories from behind the scenes; challenging viral negativity
• [01:10:01-01:15:00] – Money, generosity, stewardship, and the impact of giving
• [01:15:01-01:20:45] – The “I don’t need the church” fallacy; healing from church hurt; Torren Wells' testimony
• [01:20:46-end] – Final challenge; call to healing, unity, and active participation; prayer and worship

Takeaways & Calls to Action

• The church, while imperfect, is still God's plan to bring unity, truth, and transformation to the world.
• Every believer is called not just to attend but to commit, build, and own the vision and work of the Church.
• Don’t let past hurt or modern cynicism sideline you; healing, purpose, and fulfillment are found in community and mission.
• Faithfully build and serve in the body of Christ — that’s what should be “viral.”
• Study Ephesians 4 for a vision of biblical unity.
• Don’t quit — don’t miss out. The Church is still changing the world, and you’re invited.

"Don't miss out. We’re changing the world. We want you to be a part of it." (01:13:40)